Electronic Gaming System and Method

Abstract

Systems and methods for projecting game boards are provided. In one embodiment an image source transmits a gaming surface image; a display surface having an upper surface face and a lower surface face, is configured to receive the gaming surface image against the lower surface face and display the gaming surface image through the upper surface face. An interaction interface arranged over the display surface is configured to register interaction input actions; and an interaction detector is configured and arranged to detect the interaction input actions registered by the interaction surface and communicate the interaction input actions to a computer. A computer configured to send gaming surface information to the image source and receive the interaction input actions from the interaction detector is also included. The system also includes a frame supporting the display surface and the interaction surface including a recess containing the display surface and the interaction surface.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An electronic gaming system including a scalable projected playing field, comprising:
 an image source configured to transmit under computer control a gaming surface image;   a display surface having an upper surface face and a lower surface face, said display surface configured to receive said gaming surface image against said lower surface face and display said gaming surface image through said upper surface face;   an interaction interface arranged over said display surface, said interaction surface being configured to register interaction input actions;   an interaction detector configured and arranged to detect said interaction input actions registered by said interaction surface and communicate said interaction input actions to a computer;   a computer configured to send gaming surface information to said image source and receive said interaction input actions from said interaction detector; and   a frame, said frame supporting said display surface and said interaction surface, said frame further including a recess containing said display surface and said interaction surface.   
     
     
         2 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 1 , wherein said image source is a projector. 
     
     
         3 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 2 , wherein said projector is mounted under said display surface. 
     
     
         4 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 3 , further comprising a mirror configured to reflect image information transmitted from said image source to said lower surface face of said display surface. 
     
     
         5 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 1 , wherein said recess is between about six inches and about one inch deep. 
     
     
         6 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 5 , wherein said projector is mounted under said display surface. 
     
     
         7 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 6 , further comprising a mirror configured to reflect image information transmitted from said image source to said lower surface face of said display surface. 
     
     
         8 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 5 , wherein said recess is between about five inches and about two inches deep. 
     
     
         9 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 8 , wherein said projector is mounted under said display surface. 
     
     
         10 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 9 , further comprising a mirror configured to reflect image information transmitted from said image source to said lower surface face of said display surface. 
     
     
         11 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 8 , wherein said recess is about three inches deep. 
     
     
         12 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 11 , wherein said projector is mounted under said display surface. 
     
     
         13 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 12 , further comprising a mirror configured to reflect image information transmitted from said image source to said lower surface face of said display surface. 
     
     
         14 . The electronic gaming system of  claim 13 , wherein said image source is a projector. 
     
     
         15 . A method for playing a game, comprising:
 providing an electronic gaming table having a recess containing a display surface and an interaction surface;   projecting a gaming surface image against the lower surface face of a display surface having an upper surface face and a lower surface face;   registering an interaction input action on an interaction interface arranged over said display surface;   receiving an interaction input action signal at an interaction detector;   sending said interaction input action signal to a computer configured to receive said interaction input signal; and   modifying said gaming surface image in accordance with said interaction input signal.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said recess is between about six inches and about one inch deep. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said recess is between about five inches and about two inches deep. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said recess is about three inches deep. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said projector is mounted under said display surface. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising a mirror configured to reflect image information transmitted from said image source to said lower surface face of said display surface.